INTRUST Bank Arena Hosts One Millionth Guest

The SMG-managed INTRUST Bank Arena hosted its one-millionth guest at Friday's sold out Jason Aldean concert. Tia Bruce of McPherson, Kan. was brought to tears when told she was the lucky guest. Bruce, who brought her nine-year-old niece Michelle Mann with her to the concert, bought the tickets as a birthday present for Mann's upcoming tenth birthday.

INTRUST Bank Arena General Manager AJ Boleski presented Bruce and Mann with a prize package including upgraded suite tickets for the concert, a meet and greet with Aldean, a commemorative ticket and other autographed merchandise from the show.

“It was overwhelming, but awesome. We had never met anyone famous.” Bruce said referring to the meet and greet with Aldean. “Michelle still hasn't washed her arm where Jason signed it. I couldn't have imagined anything like this.”

Since opening in January 2010 with a sold out Brad Paisley concert, INTRUST Bank Arena has hosted many of the nation's top tours including George Strait, Elton John and Billy Joel, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, James Taylor, Keith Urban, Sugarland and more. In addition to concerts, the Arena has proven to be a great venue for college athletics hosting the NCAA 2011 Women's Basketball Championship first and second rounds, Wichita State University men's basketball in both 2010 and 2011and Kansas State University men's basketball in 2011.

This past week, INTRUST Bank Arena was named the Central Hockey League's best Arena for the third consecutive year. The Arena hosts the league-leading Wichita Thunder and is in preparation for the opening round of the CHL play-offs at the end of March.

“This community has been extremely supportive of INTRUST Bank Arena since opening,” said Boleski. “SMG is honored to manage this beautiful facility and looks forward to many great shows to come.”

The March 16th Aldean concert was the third highest attended concert in the Arena's history following George Straight with Reba and Elton John and Billy Joel, both held in 2010.

Upcoming events at the venue include Rodney Carrington, Miranda Lambert, Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers, Hank Williams, Jr. and Nickelback. SMG Wichita will also host the inaugural Wichita Ribfest May 17-19 at City Lot D.